Article

There is mounting evidence that occupational factors influence the extent of
sickness absence following an episode of low back pain, but there have been
limited efforts to integrate the identification and management of occupational
factors into the routine practice of physical therapists. Systematic reviews
suggest that a client's report of heavy physical demands, inability to modify job
tasks, work stress, lack of organizational support, job dissatisfaction, poor
expectations for resuming usual work, and fear of reinjury are indications of
significant barriers to returning to work. Recommended strategies for evaluating
and addressing occupational factors are explored with respect to the physical
therapist's role in client assessment, development of activity and lifestyle
recommendations, therapeutic exercise, communication with other providers, and
summary reports. Primary recommendations include: (1) administration of
self-report questionnaires to assess a client's perspective of physical job
demands, (2) client-centered interviewing to highlight individual return-to-work
concerns, (3) early discussions with clients about possible job modifications,
and (4) incorporation of clients' workplace concerns in progress reports and
summaries. These strategies may improve low back pain outcomes by encouraging
effective communication with key stakeholders and by developing clients' ability
to resolve obstacles to returning to work.

Langue : ANGLAIS